European geologists, many from former Soviet bloc countries, present 14 studies they delivered at an October 2002 workshop in Freiberg, Germany on the physical geology of sub-volcanic systems. The subject has not been so thoroughly examined since 1970, they say, and could be of interest to igneous petrologists, volcanologists, structural geologists

A volcanic eruption occurs when a magma-filled fracture propagates from its source to the surface. Analysing and understanding the conditions that allow this to happen constitute a major part of the scientific field of volcanotectonics. This new volume introduces this cutting-edge and interdisciplinary topic in volcanological research, which incorporates principles and methods from structural geology, tectonics, volcano-deformation studies, physical volcanology, seismology, and physics. It explains and illustrates the physical processes that operate inside volcanoes and which control the frequencies, locations, durations, and sizes of volcanic eruptions. Featuring a clear theoretical framework and helpful summary descriptions of various volcanic structures and products, as well as many worked examples and exercises, this book is an ideal resource for students, researchers and practitioners seeking an understanding of the processes that give rise to volcanic deformation, earthquakes, and eruptions.

Fully updated new edition features a new introductory chapter and more end-of-chapter questions, guiding students to a mastery of petrology.